What's the difference between Windows Live Messenger, Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger Service?

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I understand that this article is probably intended for the average user and is intended to clear up confusion and not cause it, but it should be noted that, arcording to a friendly error message that pops up when the installer is about to initialize, Windows Live applications cannot be installed on Windows XP Proffesional x64.

i just recently bought a new computer and it runs windows vista home basic...should i use windows live messenger or continue to use yahoo messenger?

Oh yeah, the names alone initally create confusion for all users but eventually some lucky confused users actually managed to figure it out...and obviously still others are at a loss in understanding the differences between these four entities...3 of which have the words "WINDOWS MESSENGER" included in their names and all 4 use the word "MESSENGER"; talk about chaos and confusion...and that's from "jump street" in NAME ALONE! Speaking of confusion, allow me to mention the UAC on the Vista System...IT IS NOT user friendly; IT IS a pain in the neck! Initially I gave it my all and tried using it but now I have turned it off (and believe it or not...it doesn't disappear; for still I AM REMINDED to turn it on EACH AND EVERY TIME the system boots up. Amazing! This UAC is like a nightmare that won't go away...it actually CREATED problems for me rather than adding to the "security" of the vista system. It is nothing more than an annoyance...when it was turned on and now EVEN WHEN IT IS TURNED OFF...what grand wizard thought up this one, huh? I have my own system of security which I "chose" to suit MY NEEDS...why foist an extremely annoying UAC on me and all other "unsuspecting" vista users...this is not progress Microsoft! The UAC, one of the "main differences" between XP and Vista Operating systems, tauted as an improved security control, is the very thing that I dislike most on this newest operating system! Get out your magic wand Bill and make it GO AWAY!!! No "lol" either!

Leo, thank you. I was trying to help my brother 5 States away with a DVD burner problem by using Remote Assistance, I used Remote Assistance before my computer crashed. of course i reloaded everything, but instead it had me setup live messenger. I attempted to use "live messenger" to do the remote and it kept telling me to "get the latest version of messenger" and nowhere i mean nowhere, have i found an answer. windows "help" links to the "windows live" download, and all of the articles i found at microsoft.com relate to Small Business Server. the remote assistance, as you mentioned wont work without "Windows Messenger" but all the links to messenger at microsoft send you to "live Messenger" well you figure they'd know that.

Bottom line is.. You have helped me..

Thank you
Tom H

hi I have a webcam and i try to used it with MSN messenger went i send a request to view my webcame i can see my self but the other person cant see me and later said that i have stoppped the webcam and i dont understand why is not working with MSN Messenger live if the webcam work good with yahoo messenger can u help me please

Dear sir,

I have Windows Live messenger and MSN Messenger in my system, running XPs. At my system tray there are two same icons for messengers, as well. Is it safe to completely remove the older one (MSN) from my computer? I ask this because you suggest just to disable it from loogin, not to remove it...

Thanks for your time
Vasilis

...here's an interesting one. Both my wife and I downloaded Windows Live 8.1 and we are getting echo city. And I can hear her typing and getting the ta-ding when my message comes in.

As well, when we play a wink (like the heart) it plays on both ends.

I hear her clearly but she says I sound garbled like under water.

Don't like this new version at all, but I got Vista unfortunately on my laptop.

I don't care how computer illiterate what I'm about to ask may sound, but I am ticked! I had just got my computer fixed, went back and installed windows live msgr, which I am used to, instead of just windows msgr. Everything was just fine and I was happy to have a fully functioning computer. Then BAM! I'm not given a choice to go to the upgrade. It sucks! Why can I not send or forward emails to several people by clicking on the boxes under "my contacts", and then clicking on "add to address line"? It doesn't give you an option to do that! I either have to send to one person at a time, or I have to go through the flippin alphabet, and try to remember who I have already put in my address bar, so I can send it to multiple people. This is annoying as h*ll!! If anyone elses is doing this with hotmail, and is experiencing this same problem, can you please tell me, if there is something I'n missing, before I blow a gasket?

Is Windows Live Messenger compatible with MSN? Do I need a hotmail / windows live account to use it? I downloaded Live and it forced me to create a live (hotmail) account, which I have no use for...?

Okay, I have a different question. Just today I successfully downloaded Windows IM and signed on. I inadvertently exited out of the window and now don't know how to get back into it. I have been told that I can log on through Internet Explorer, but I don't see where you can do that. Can you please help me with this? Thanks.

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